Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

Syllabus for HIST21: Race, Ethnicity and Gender in American Culture – Source canvas.santarosa.edu

Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

At the height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Phillis Wheatley, a young African enslaved person, penned some of the most powerful and moving poems in the English language, challenging the prevailing notions of Black inferiority and inspiring abolitionists. Her words continue to resonate today, reminding us of the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Phillis Wheatley was born in Senegal, West Africa, around 1753. As a child, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, ending up in Boston, Massachusetts. Phillis was purchased by John Wheatley, a wealthy merchant, and his wife, Susanna. Despite their initial reluctance, the Wheatleys recognized Phillis’s intelligence and provided her with an education. Phillis quickly mastered reading and writing, and by the age of 12, she had begun writing poetry.

Phillis Wheatley’s poems were deeply influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of reason and individual liberty. She wrote about the horrors of slavery, the importance of education, and the equality of all people, regardless of race or gender. Her work was published in 1773, and she became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. Phillis Wheatley’s poetry received critical acclaim, both in the United States and in Europe. She was praised for her skill, her wit, and her courage. Phillis Wheatley’s work helped to challenge the prevailing notions of Black inferiority and inspired abolitionists in both the United States and Europe.

Statue of Phillis Wheatley the second published African-American poet – Source www.pinterest.com

## A Personal Experience with Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

I first encountered Phillis Wheatley’s poetry in college. I was immediately struck by her powerful words and her ability to express the complex emotions of being a slave in a racist society. I was particularly moved by her poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” In this poem, Phillis Wheatley describes the horrors of the Middle Passage, the forced journey that enslaved Africans made across the Atlantic Ocean. She writes:

“Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

“Their colour is a diabolic die.”

Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.”

Dowiedz się o Phillis Wheatley, zniewolonej poecie Ameryki kolonialnej – Source www.greelane.com

Phillis Wheatley’s words are a powerful indictment of slavery and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Her poetry continues to inspire me today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share her story with others.

## The History and Myth of Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

Phillis Wheatley’s story is often told as one of triumph over adversity. She is portrayed as a brilliant young woman who overcame the challenges of slavery to become a successful poet. However, the reality of Phillis Wheatley’s life was more complex. She was a product of her time, and her work reflects the social and political realities of 18th-century America.

Phillis Wheatley was born into a world of slavery. She was brought to America as a child, and she was owned by a wealthy white family. As a slave, Phillis Wheatley had no control over her own life. She was forced to work long hours, and she was subject to the whims of her owners.

Phillis Wheatley’s poetry was a form of resistance against the institution of slavery. She used her words to express her own pain and suffering, and she also spoke out against the injustices of slavery. Phillis Wheatley’s poetry was a powerful force for change, and it helped to inspire the abolitionist movement.

How Phillis Wheatley Was Recovered Through History | The New Yorker – Source www.newyorker.com

## The Hidden Secrets of Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

There is much that we do not know about Phillis Wheatley. Her life is shrouded in mystery, and there are many unanswered questions about her work. However, there is one thing we know for sure: Phillis Wheatley was a brilliant and talented poet who used her words to speak truth to power.

Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is a valuable historical document that provides us with a glimpse into the lives of enslaved Africans in 18th-century America. Her work is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and it continues to inspire us today.

## Recommendations for Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

If you are interested in learning more about Phillis Wheatley and her work, I recommend the following resources:

These resources will provide you with a deeper understanding of Phillis Wheatley’s life, her work, and her impact on American history.

Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet and the Abolitionist Movement

Phillis Wheatley’s poetry was a powerful force for change. It helped to inspire the abolitionist movement, and it played a role in the eventual end of slavery in the United States. Phillis Wheatley’s work is a reminder of the power of art to inspire social change.

Close Reading of Wheatley Poem – Knowledge for Freedom seminar – Source housedivided.dickinson.edu

## Tips for Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

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Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet and the Legacy of Slavery

Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is a reminder of the legacy of slavery in the United States. Her work is a powerful indictment of the institution of slavery, and it continues to inspire us today. Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is a valuable historical document that provides us with a glimpse into the lives of enslaved Africans in 18th-century America. Her work is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and it continues to inspire us today.

Quai 9 . 3/4 | African american, African american poets, Women in history – Source www.pinterest.com

## Fun Facts about Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

Here are some fun facts about Phillis Wheatley:

## How to Honor Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

There are many ways to honor Phillis Wheatley and her legacy. Here are a few ideas:

At 12, this West African slave became the first African-American female – Source face2faceafrica.com

## What If Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet Were Alive Today?

It is impossible to say for sure what Phillis Wheatley would be doing if she were alive today. However, it is likely that she would continue to use her voice to speak out against injustice. Phillis Wheatley was a brilliant and passionate woman who was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She would be a powerful force for good in the world today.

## A Listicle of Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

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## Conclusion

Phillis Wheatley: The Genius Of A Slave Poet

Phillis Wheatley’s story is one of triumph over adversity. She was a brilliant and talented poet who used her words to speak truth to power. Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is a valuable historical document that provides us with a glimpse into the lives of enslaved Africans in 18th-century America. Her work is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and it continues to inspire us